Bicycles

BlackBraid commuter bike weighs less than 11 pounds

BlackBraid commuter bike weighs less than 11 pounds
PG-Bike's new ultra-light BlackBraid Fixed commuter bike (Photo: PG.DE)
PG-Bike's new ultra-light BlackBraid Fixed commuter bike (Photo: PG.DE)
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PG-Bike's new ultra-light BlackBraid Fixed commuter bike (Photo: PG.DE)
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PG-Bike's new ultra-light BlackBraid Fixed commuter bike (Photo: PG.DE)
The BlackBraid is built using a proprietary carbon fiber braiding technique (Photo: PG.DE)
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The BlackBraid is built using a proprietary carbon fiber braiding technique (Photo: PG.DE)
A presumably rich hipster, with the sub-11-pound BlackBraid (Photo: PG.DE)
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A presumably rich hipster, with the sub-11-pound BlackBraid (Photo: PG.DE)
The BlackBraid Fixed – so light, even a kid can lift it (Photo: PG.DE)
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The BlackBraid Fixed – so light, even a kid can lift it (Photo: PG.DE)
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Trek Bicycles used to make a jaw-droppingly gorgeous bike known as the District Carbon. The stealthy singlespeed steed featured a matte black carbon fiber frame, belt drive, and was designed – more or less – to be a fast commuter. Depending on its configuration, it weighed in at around 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Now, Germany’s PG-Bikes is offering something similar, in the form of its eye-popping BlackBraid Fixed ... and it tips the scales at under 11 pounds (5 kg).

PG created the fixed-gear BlackBraid in partnership with Munich Composites, the latter of which builds the frames using a proprietary carbon fiber braiding technique. This automated process involves weaving the individual strands of fiber over and under one another, to form a tube. Resin is then injected into the braided material itself (not into the hollow center of the tube), and left to cure.

According to PG, the result is an extremely strong, light type of carbon fiber, that’s “as stable as metal while weighing less than aluminum.”

Along with its unique frame material, one of the BlackBraid’s quirkier (and we assume weight-saving) features is its rear triangle – it has just a single chainstay on one side, and a single seatstay on the other. The bike also features a front rim brake that’s integrated into the fork.

The BlackBraid Fixed – so light, even a kid can lift it (Photo: PG.DE)
The BlackBraid Fixed – so light, even a kid can lift it (Photo: PG.DE)

Components are largely from German manufacturers, including a fork, crank and bottom bracket cup by THM; headset and stem by Tune; Schmolke bars and seatpost; and Rundkurs wheels with Continental tires. The BlackBraid’s Speedplay pedals and Gates CDX belt drive hail from the U.S.

A touring model of the bike is also available with front and rear disc brakes, and a Rohloff rear hub transmission. There’s no word on the weight of that version.

PG also isn’t publicizing the price of either model, although Fast Company claims that the BlackBraid Fixed will set you back just under US$20,000 – which is still much cheaper than PG’s 62 mph (100 km/h) BlackTrail electric bike.

Source: PG-Bikes, Munich Composites via High Snobiety

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9 comments
9 comments
sk8dad
Assuming they can keep rear end flex and longevity within the neighborhood of a conventional "dual" rear triangle design, then I imagine they have a viable product. That would be a big assumption to depend on marketing's word.
Jeff J Carlson
well in 20 or 30 years that $20,000 price should drop down to actual commuter levels ...
Unravelled
There is nothing special about this bike being 11 lbs except maybe the absurd price tag..
Considering the build kit, that frame must be made of lead woven into the carbon.
For under $20,000 you could easily have sub 8 lb commuter if thats what you wanted..
Heck $12,000 will get you a sub 12lb complete road bike with a full 20 spd drivetrain and front and rear brakes... http://www.roadbikeaction.com/bike-tests/content/66/4873/Bike-Preview-Cannondale-SuperSix-EVO.html
Simon Lie
Great bike, but way too expensive!
Is there any cool bikes or components that are featured at affordable prices?
Freyr Gunnar
Unless you ride in hilly areas, you won't save time by getting a much more expensive, lighter bike
Ryan MacDougall
It has no gears?? at just under 20 k who in their right mind is going to buy that. take the money that you will spend on the wight saving, go to gym loose the wight ride a better bike. like the cannondale.
Gregg Eshelman
Just what the world does not need. Yet another bike with an a$$ pounding, unpadded seat and low down handlebars forcing the rider into a back straining position.
That pretty much describes 99% of the bikes ever featured here on Gizmag.
Make a high tech cruiser bike with a comfy seat, designed so the rider can sit upright and when stopped can put both feet flat on the ground.
Doug Doyle
20k for a single gear and hand brakes. I can get a good 250 motorcycle and a safety course for less than that.
Bruce H. Anderson
Better options might include a crank-forward design (upright or recumbent) or a trike. Of course they don't have the bragging rights that come with spending that much money. And for 20K you can get a car.